Leitrim Ladies defeat Wexford to take giant step forward in All Ireland Intermediate Championship

Leitrim 1.07
Wexford 1.05

Leitrim took a giant step forward in the All Ireland Intermediate Championship with a courageous display against Leinster Champions Wexford on Sunday morning in Wexford Park. The win now puts Leitrim on top of Group two and a win or a draw against Louth on Friday evening in the final group game will earn Leitrim an automatic semi final place at the end of August. Played in near perfect conditions, Leitrim showed many of the qualities they displayed last year in reaching the final of the Junior Championship. Following an indifferent League campaign, and despite a good win over Westmeath earlier in the Championship, added to the disadvantage of not having a Provincial title to defend, it was difficult for the team to measure their progress this year until Sundays game. Forced to lineout without a key forward in Eileen Donohue, there were many fine performances throughout the team including Sinead Brennan, Mary McKeon and Teresa Mylott who led the defence superbly. Maeve Quinn, Eimear McGlade and Sarah McLoughlin all contributed magnificently in both defending and attacking and the hard working Aisling Brennan, Ann Marie Cox, Sinead Quinn and Clare Plunkett combined well to create plenty of Scóring opportunities. However the player of the match was Louise Loughlin who made two magnificent saves and commanded her square with great confidence under increasing pressure from Wexford particularly in the final quarter. While Leitrim will find plenty of room for improvement over the coming weeks, their attitude and hunger for the game on Sunday and the manner of their victory will give the team some confidence for the challenges ahead.

Wexford dominated the early exchanges and but for some wayward shooting could have scored the first three points of the game. After a Sinead Quinn wide Leitrim scored first with a break from the middle of the field as Eimear McGlade powered through to point after seven minutes. Wexford responded immediately when a ball over the top eluded the fullback line and Josie Dwyer pointed. Two minutes later Maeve Quinn and Sinead Quinn combined well but after Maeve was fouled, Ann Marie Cox’s free was off target. In the tenth minute Wexford again broke through following a poor Leitrim clearance and Dwyer shot hard and low to the left but Louise Loughlin brilliant saved to deflect the ball for a 45. The resulting free was hit short to Kate Kelly who pointed to give Wexford the lead. For the next ten minutes there was stalemate as both defences played well to stop Scóring opportunities. Michelle Reynolds hit a wide from a Scórable distance and at the other end a great catch under pressure from Mairead Stenson was poorly cleared and Dwyer hit another point to extend Wexford’s lead after twenty minutes. Louise Loughlin was called on to make a great catch and clearance under pressure as Wexford mounted another attack. Sinead Quinn and Ann Conlan combined well as Leitrim mounted another attack but Quinn missed the target. Aisling Brennan followed almost immediately with a wide following good work from Eimear McGlade and Ann Marie Cox but Leitrim were beginning to assert themselves more in the game. The ever dangerous Dwyer again breached the Leitrim defence but was brilliantly blocked down by Mary McKeon as she went through onÓgoal. Struggling in midfield Leitrim made a double substitution and a number of positional changes with five minutes left in the half, Maeve Quinn moved to midfield and Clare Plunkett went to full forward having replaced Erin Farrell. Sarah McLoughlin came on at midfield to replace Mairead Stenson whose place at cornerback was taken by Mary McKeon while Eimear McGlade moved to centre back, Lorraine Brennan to the wing and Aisling Brennan to half forward. All of the changes had an immediate impact as Sarah McLoughlin pointed almost immediately as Michelle Reynolds and Aisling Brennan worked well to set up the score. Sinead Quinn hit another wide but with three minutes left a great ball down the wing from Ann Marie Cox to Anna Conlan created another Leitrim attack. Conlan was fouled and Maeve Quinn took the resulting free from forty meters. Sub Clare Plunkett rose majestically at the edge of the square to claim the ball under pressure and turned and shot low and hard to the far corner of the net despite the best efforts of the otherwise solid Mary Rose Kelly. Wexford tried to reduce the lead but Tara Maloney sent the ball wide and in the last attack of the game Caroline Murphy hit the outside of the post and her effort also went wide to leave Leitrim leading by 1-2 to 0-3 at the break.

Within a minute of the restart Leitrim were dealt a blow as Michelle Reynolds was sin binned for ten minutes for a tackle on Leona Tector but the Wexford team failed to utilise their extra player during this period leaving the full back free. Three minutes later Louise Loughlin was again called into action as a dangerous ball in was flicked on by Dwyer towards the corner but Loughlin went down again magnificently to palm the ball away. Dwyer dislocated her finger in her effort and was replaced by Bridget Curran. However they reduced the lead with a point from Curran from play. Leitrim responded immediately with another sweeping move and Eimear McGlade finished the move with a point. Ann Marie Cox then sent in a dangerous ball that was well saved by Kelly. With thirteen minutes gone Maeve Quinn won a ball well in the Leitrim half and set up another Leitrim attack. Michelle Reynolds was blocked well as she tried to point but immediately Sarah McLoughlin pointed following a good pass from Plunkett. Marve Quinn again cut out another Wexford attack and on the counter McLoughlin pointed following a fine pass from Aisling Brennan. Eighteen minutes in, Leitrim extended the lead to five points when a long range pass from McLoughlin set up Sinead Quinn who beat the defence to point from play. Wexford reduced the gap with a point from midfielder Deirdre Fox with seven minutes remaining as Wexford increased the pressure on the Leitrim defence. LoughlinÓgathered a dangerous high ball and again two minutes later as Wexford became increasingly desperate for a goal to save the game. However despite the pressure the back line held firm and gave no shooting chance to their opponents with a number of blocks and tackles. Leitrim did manÓge to create a second goal chance with two minutes remaining but Clare Plunketts effort was disallowed for a challenge on the keeper. Leona Tector moved forward as Wexford again pressurised the Leitrim defence. Loughlin was yet again alert to save from Tector but Michelle Hearne hit a goal effort wide. As the game moved to injury time Leitrim fought hard to maintain their lead and the pressure was relieved when Eimear McGlade moved forward purposefully but was fouled with Cox pointing the free to regain their five point lead. Deep into injury time Wexford had one last goal chance as Tectors shot hit the crossbar but fell kindly to Kate Kelly who hit the net to reduce the gap to two points. It was imperative that Leitrim won the resulting kickout and did so and as they set up an attack the referee blew the final whistle to the signal a great two point win for the Leitrim girls.

Leitrim: Louise Loughlin, Catherine Holohan, Sinead Brennan, Mairead Stenson, Mary McKeon, Lorraine Brennan, Teresa Mylott, Emer McGlade Aisling Brennan, Anna Conlan, Sinead Quinn, Erin Farrell, Ann Marie Cox, Maeve Quinn, Michelle Reynolds. Subs: Clare Plunkett for Erin Farrell, Sarah McLoughlin for Mairead Stenson (25 mins) Sinead McWeeney for Michelle Reynolds (65 mins)

Wexford: Mary Rose Kelly, Marina Murray, Leona Tector, Aoife Waters, Mags Kelly, Caroline Murphy, Karen Morris, Deirdre Fox, Michelle Doyle, Josie Dwyer, Ciara Scallon, Michelle Hearne, Tara Maloney, Kate Kellly, Sharon Kehoe.

Referee: CiaranÓgroome (Offaly)

 

 

30-Jul-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies Senior 9 a Side League Final

Kiltubrid 0.07 Mohill 0.05

Kiltubrid team took the honours in the Senior 9 a side league final with a two point win over holders Mohill in an entertaining game played in Fenagh on Sunday afternoon. While Mohill worked hard all through the game, a sharper Kiltubrid team seemed to have the better of their opponents throughout but were very wasteful in front of goals and kept the result in doubt to the final whistle.

Kiltubrid started the game with the first attack as a Sandra Early attempt hit the upright and rebounded to the incoming Miranda Burke who pointed the opening score. Early missed a second opportunity before Aoife McWeeney pointed from play three minutes later. Mohill had a opportunity to record their opening score but good work from Clare Kelly and Sinead Meehan cut out a promising attack. Almost immediately Aine Tighe had a great goal chance at the other end but hit her shot wide. Deirdre Ward missed another Mohill attempt for a point but good defending and a well worked ball up the field yielded a point for Ward to cut the lead. Emer Horan had to be alert to prevent a Katie Tyrrell goal but the game was level a minute later when a quick Mohill free found Christine Quinn in space and she pointed from thirty meters. With unlimited substitutions in the game a number of switches were made by both teams and Siobhan Kelly missed two easy chances to regain the Kiltubrid lead. Kiltubrid dominated the final five minutes of the half with an Aoife WcWeeney effort rebounding to safety off the crossbar. Sandra Early missed both a goal and a point chances before Mohill had one last attack with a pointed free from Lorna McDermott giving them a one point lead at the break.

Mohill missed two chances to increase their lead at the start of the second half with Lorna McDermott and Eimear Beirne off target before Kiltubrid again began to dominate the play. Aine Tighe pointed a free after five minutes to level the game. A good tackle from Lisa McWeeney in defence set up Regina Bohan for a point. Miranda Burke’s defence splitting ball to Siobhan Kelly gave Kiltubrid another goal chance but Kelly chose to point. Mohill were let off the hook two minutes later when Siobhan Kelly was well blocked by keeper Caroline McGarry but the loose ball fell to Lisa McWeeney who completely missed the ball in front of an openÓgoal. There was drama at the other end almost immediately when a Mohill goal bound shot from Eimear Beirne beat Emer Horan but the ball was illegally saved on the line by a Kiltubrid defender. However the resulting penalty from Lorna McDermott was saved by Horan. Mohill made amends for the miss with two fine points from play by Bernie Egan and Erin Reynolds to level the game again. With five minutes remaining Kiltubrid’s extra fitness told as they again dominated possession and again there was goalmouth drama as Siobhan Kelly managed a weak shot towards the goal after a fine defensive tackle from Olivia Gilmartin. The ball seemed certain to cross the line but Caroline McGarry made a great dive to prevent the goal. The rebound was picked up by the inrushing Aoife McWeeney but her shot hit the crossbar and again McWeeney won the rebound and pointed to put Kiltubrid in front again. McWeeney hit a wide from a good chance before Siobhan Kelly pointed with time almost up. The final action saw Kiltubrid attack once again but McWeeney hit a wide as the game ended to ensure Kiltubrid reversed last years result. Both teams are favourites to come out of their respective groups in this years intermediate championship and if so, a very close and exciting game is in prospect.

Kiltubrid: Emer Horan, Clare Kelly, Sinead Meehan, Aine Meehan, Aoife McWeeney, Aine Tighe, Regina Bohan, Sandra Early, Miranda Burke.

Mohill: Caroline McGarry, Olivia Gilmartin, Lorraine McDermott, Christine Quinn, Eimear Beirne, Deirdre Ward, Bernie Egan, Lorna McDermott, Erin Reynolds.

Referee: Mary Shanley.

 

 

24-Jul-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies News Update

[b]Under 16 Connacht Final:[/b]
After two great victories over Mayo and Roscommon, a win or a draw against Sligo on Wednesday last would have given Leitrim a rare underage Connacht Final. However despite a one point defeat on Wednesday, Leitrim have now qualified for the Connacht Final thanks to a superior score difference. The Final against Galway will be played in Tuam tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 7.30pm. The sides have already met in the group stages with Galway enjoying a comprehensive win. Leitrim’s last appearance in the Connacht Under 16 final was in 1999 also against a very strong Galway team in Carrick who were much too good on the day. For the record the Leitrim panel in 1999 was Evy Guckian (Annaduff) Mary McKeon (Aughawillan – Captain) Louise Staunton, Lorna Diffley, Laura Diffley, Clare Duffy, Selina Shanley, Noelle Beirne, Caroline Howard (Bornacoola), Pamela Nicholls, Tara McCabe, Louise Heslin, Paula McGovern (Cloone), Orla Heeran, Aine McPartland, Serena Harkin (Drumkeerin), Karen Reilly, Michelle Duffy (Gortlettragh), Aine Meehan, Naomi Lee, Emma Burke (Kiltubrid), Lorna McDermottt, Lorraine McDermott, Karen McGarry, Mary Duignan, Kerri Manning, Bernie Egan (Mohill) Sandra Brady, Catherine Dolan, Roisin Corrigan, Shiela Bohan (St Josephs). Best of luck to all of the players and management on Thursday.

[b]Leitrim Ladies back on All Ireland Duty in Wexford:[/b]
Next Sunday Leitrim make the long journey to Wexford Park to play an in form Wexford team in what will probably be the decisive game inÓgroup 2 of the All Ireland Championship series. To date Leitrim have received a walkover from Limerick and defeated Westmeath to ensure qualification to the All Ireland quarter final with three of the five teams progressing to the knockout stages. With the group winner receiving an automatic semi final spot, the winner of Sundays game is likely to finish top of the group, if both teams win their final group games the following week as Leitrim host Louth and Wexford travel to Westmeath. Group 2 has been much more competitive with a Tipperary side unbeaten to date favourites to claim the automatic semi final place with Clare and Fermanagh possibly taking the two quarter final places ahead of Longford and Cavan. After last years All Ireland adventure, Leitrim will be keen to get back to Croke Park and the business end of the championship will start on Sunday next. While the National League campaign proved to be disappointing, Leitrim still managed to retain their Division 2 status, however the lack of competitive action since then may be a factor in the Championship as it unfolds as Leitrim have not had the benefit of a Provincial Championship campaign. On the positive side, a number of players unable to play in the early part of the season have had a chance to recover from injury and this will give the team a fresh impetus. We wish all of the players and management the best of luck on Sunday.

[b]Kiltubrid are 9 a Side League Champions:[/b]
Congratulations to Kiltubrid who defeated Mohill by two points in a very exciting Senior Final on Sunday afternoon in Fenagh. While both teams played some fine football, the greater number of Scóring chances fell to Kiltubrid who converted enough to secure the title.

[b]Minor Club Championship:[/b]
The first round will take place on Saturday evening next 28th July at 7.00pm. In the 13 a side competition Sean O Heslins play Glencar Manorhamilton while Dromahair are at home to Ballinaglera and St Marys host Bornacoola in the 9 a Side competition. On Tuesday 31st July Glencar Manor host St Josephs and Sean O Heslins play Allen Gaels in the 13 a side championship while Ballinaglera play Kiltubrid and Bornacoola host Aughawillan in the 9 a side championship.

[b]County Board Meeting:[/b]
The July meeting will take plane on Monday 30th July in Arus Padraig in Drumshanbo at 9.00pm

 

 

24-Jul-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Underdogs – Press Release

Last year, for the first time, it was the turn of the ladies to be selected as Underdogs and the final selection took on the mighty All-Ireland Ladies Football Champions Cork.

This year the ladies are back – In November the Underdogs will head to the Big Apple to take on The New York All Stars , a selection of the best in the US.
Last year thousands of hopefuls applied and 30 were chosen. This year our trio of selectors promise to turn another 30 players into an elite squad capable of defeating the best.

TG4 and Adare Productions are now inviting applicants for The Underdogs. Any female player over 18, who has never played senior county football, or been on a panel and has never been nominated for an All Star, qualifies as an Underdog and can apply. Trials will begin in June.
If you think you deserve a seat on the flight to New York then book your ticket NOW !

To apply visit TG4’s website, www.tg4.ie, and click on the Underdogs link.

For further information, call Mark at Adare Productions on 01-2843877 or e-mail adare@eircom.net

 

 

17-May-07 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Heartbreak for Ballinamore Post Primary Girls

It was heartbreak for the girls of Ballinamore Post Primary in the Pat The Baker Post Primary Schools Senior C Final 2007 as they lost by 1 goal.

The game was played yesterday (Tuesday) in Cavan and the final result in a relatively low Scóring encounter was:

Ballinamore Post Primary 1-04
St Catherines (Armagh) 2-04

U16C FINAL Ballinamore, Leitrim 1-4 St. Catherines, Armagh 2-4

Roared on by eleven bus loads of supporters St. Catherines Armagh claimed the All Ireland U16C title at the expense of Ballinamore Post Primary Scholl yesterday. As early as the second minute St. Catherines had a great goal chance however Leitrim keeper Niamh Mc Govern made a great save from Finnoula Rodgers. The Armagh side made no mistake two minutes later when full forward Aoife Lennon found herself one on one with the keeper and buried to the net. The excellent Lennon then followed with two points, one from a free to put her side five ahead entering the second quarter. Ballinamore opened their account in the 18th minute when midfielder Clare Plunkett fired a thirty five metre free goal ward. St. Catherines keeper Terri Powell did manÓge to get a hand on it put unfortunately for her she pushed it upwards and into the net. Ballinamore continued to press and were rewarded with another point from Ciara Mc Loughlin in the 28th minute which left the midway score 1-2 to 1-1 in favour of St. Catherines. Both sides missed good goal chances early in the second half before Emma Mullen pointed for St. Catherines. Ballinamore refused to lie down and points from Sheila Walshe and Claire Plunkett brought them level entering the final quarter. A point from a free by Claire Plunkett in the 47th minute put Ballinamore ahead for the first time. Aoife Lennon was then denied by the woodwork before Tanya Mc Coy fired over to level matters once again. The winning score, a goal then arrived with just three minutes remaining.

Player of the Match was Clare Plunkett, Ballinamore

Photos (24 pages) of the game are available on our photo gallery.

 

 

25-Apr-07 by Ladies GAA

First Ready Steady Play programme a big success

I learned that any little bit of help is appreciated. Don t be afraid to offer a hand.

This is a quote from one of the 33 new volunteers who participated in Ready..Steady..Play, the new volunteer recruitment programme of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

Leitrim was host to the delivery of the first Ready..Steady..Play Programme. Three courses took place over the weekend of the 31st March with 4 clubs represented; Sean O Heslins (Ballinamore), Cloone, St. Josephs and Gortletteragh. Thirty three new volunteers participated in the programme which proved a huge success among both the new volunteers and current mentors within the clubs.

A number of courses will take place throughout Leitrim over the coming weeks, which should prove beneficial to the preparations of the host of Feile Peil na nÓg 2007.

For full story and photos check out [link= “www.ladiesgaelic.ie/news/newnews1923.htm “]here[/link]

 

 

12-Apr-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies News

Trip to Tipp for Leitrim Ladies:
An early start on Easter Sunday for the Leitrim ladies as they travel to Templemore on Sunday for the league quarter final against Tipperary at 1.00pm. The team will be hoping to rediscover last year’s form as the business end of the seasonÓgets underway. They have found the going very tough in the league to date with just a single win over Limerick but this win retained Division 2 status for another year the first goal of the season. Tipperary enjoyed a much better campaign with three wins against Wexford, Down and Roscommon and a draw against Longford to top Division 2B. Tipperary have been progressing steadily in recent years and were crowned Division 3 champions in addition to securing the Munster Championship title two years ago. The teams last met in competitive action in Division 3 of the National League seven years ago where Leitrim enjoyed a 1.18 to 1.03 victory in Annaduff and indeed went on to win the title defeating Galway in the final. Sunday’s game will be a difficult test for a Leitrim team who will need to improve on previous performances if they are to progress in the competition.

Annaduff Credit Union Under 14 Championship:
A total of 16 teams have entered the 2007 championship with two competitions at 11 and 7 a side. The competitions get underway on Saturday morning next.

Under 14 and Under 16 County teams:
Trials for the county under 16 team will take place on Saturday at 12.00pm in Drumkeerin. All clubs have been notified to send players. Trials will also take place for the under 14 team next weekend with details to be confirmed. Clubs will be notified during the week.

All Ireland Final:
Congratulations to the Ballinamore PPS Junior team who won the Connacht Schools ‘C’ Title on Monday last and followed that up on Friday with a wonderful semi final win over Callan of Kilkenny to qualify for the All Ireland Final. Featuring players from Sean O’Heslins, Aughnasheelin, Aughawillan, Fenagh and St Josephs clubs this is a great achievement for the school and Leitrim. Congratulations to all of the players and management and best of luck in the final.

All Ireland Final 2:
Congratulations to all the Leitrim clubs that swept the boards at the Connacht final on Saturday evening last in Ballinamore. Well done in particular to county players Amanda Sweeney from Glencar Manor and Anna Conlan from Dromahair who achieved success in the figure dancing and instrumental music.

 

 

03-Apr-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Leitrim v Dublin venue confirmed for St Brigids GA

The game has a 2.00pm throw in and will be eagerly anticipated by both teams who are safely thrugh to the quarter finals of Division 2. Despite a defeat in their opening game against Sligo, Dublin have bounced back with wins against Limerick and Clare. A win for either team would theoretically set up an easier quarter final draw but will have to await the final day results to know who their opponents will be. All that is certain at this time is that a defeat for Leitrim will see them finish fourth in Section 2A and face undefeated Tipperary have finished top of Section 2B. With the Leitrim mens game on Sunday in Newbridge now deferred we invite all Leitrim supporters in Dublin to support the ladies team in St Brigids.

 

 

15-Mar-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies defeat Limerick and confirm Division 2 stat

After defeats in their opening two games, the pressure on Leitrim to deliver a win was well answered with a powerful second half performance, a trademark of many of last seasons games. Leitrim did not have it all their own way in the first half as they played into driving wind and rain and were two points in arrears after ten minutes following points from Dymphna O Brien. Sarah McLoughlin reduced the arrears as Leitrim were reduced to fourteen players for ten minutes following a Charlene Tyrrells sin bin offence. Leitrim battled bravely against the elements and an Ann Marie Cox free levelled matters during this period. However Limerick rallied and scored three unanswered points in the remainder of the half as Leitrim missed a number of chances to cut the deficit including a disallowed goal.

Within eight minutes of the restart Leitrim were level with three well worked points. Mid way through the half a Cox goal put Leitrim in front for the first time and they closed out the game with incredible committment and resolute defending all over the field to record a 1-8 to 0-6 win. This vistory relegated Limerick to Division 3 for next season and ensures Leitrim remain in Division 2 in addition to qualifying for the knock out stages of the League. Next Sunday Leitrim face a resurgent Dublin team who defeated Clare by eight points on Sunday.

 

 

11-Mar-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies All Ireland Intermediate Championship Draw

The draws for the All Ireland Championships series were confirmed at the commencement of the Ladies Annual Congress on Friday night in Tipperary. Leitrim will compete in the Intermediate championship in 2007 and face a number of interesting games with their first outing at home to Limerick on 19th/20th May. This will be followed by games away to Westmeath (24th/25th June)and Wexford (28th/29th July) with the last game home to Louth (4th August). Leitrim will be familiar with all of the teams in the group except Westmeath as it is a number of years since they have met in competitive action. Four of the five teams will qualify for the quarter finals of the competition against opposition from the second group involving Clare, Longford, Tipperary, Fermamagh and Cavan.

 

 

03-Mar-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Ladies News

National League Defeat to Clare: An experimental Leitrim team suffered a heavy loss to Clare in Ballinasloe on Sunday afternoon last. Leitrim never got out of the blocks in the first half as Clare dominated possession and were impeccable in their shooting, aided by a strong wind. Training by 1-14 to a single point at the break, Leitrim improved considerably in the second half and outscored their opponents by 1-4 to 1-3. Again there was a long injury list but Leitrim used the unlimited substitution rule to take a look at all of the players on the panel with a total of twenty four players used during the game. With two losses to date, Leitrim’s next game in the League against Limerick in two weeks time is crucial to Division 2 survival. Limerick lost their opening three games and a win for Leitrim will ensure that Limerick are relegated and Leitrim remain safe and qualify for the quarter finals.

2006 Division 2 League: The first club action of the season will take place in Manorhamilton on Sunday next when the home side entertain St Josephs for a place in the 2006 league final where Annaduff await the winners. The game will take place at 12.30pm.

County Board Meeting: The March meeting will take place on Monday evening next at 9.00pm in Arus Padraig. An executive meeting will take place at 8.15pm.

Golf Classic: A golf classic in aid of the county board will take place on Saturday 16th June in Castledargan. Details to follow later.

 

 

28-Feb-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

Suzuki Ladies National League Division 2A – Leitr

While Leitrim are the last team to have defeated the Yeats county in competitive action, the Connacht Final last July, at times in the first half Leitrim looked like they may repeat the feat. However, two goals in the space of two minutes at the beginning of the second half ended Leitrim?s hopes of getting 2007 off to a flying start.
Sligo had eleven of their All Ireland final team in action while Leitrim had nine, with Michelle Reynolds of Gortlettragh and Sinead McWeeney of St Marys making their first senior appearance. Indeed Reynolds was in the action after two minutes as her first shot onÓgoal hit the back of the net to give Leitrim a two point lead after Stephanie O?Reilly had opened the Scóring for Sligo. An Ann Marie Cox free and a well take point from McWeeney increased the Leitrim lead after five minutes. Therese Marren replied with a Sligo free but a point from the returning Eileen Donohue and another Cox free left Leitrim 1-4 to 0-2 ahead midway through the half. Sligo began to find form and a Karen Maloney point was followed by a Noelle Gormley goal to leave the minimum between the sides entering the final ten minutes of the half. Therese Marren (2), Bernice Beirne and Maloney hit four unanswered points before Cox pointed another Leitrim free to leave Sligo two points ahead at the break.

Cox pointed a free to reduce the arrears just after the restart but three minutes later, Gormley struck twice with two goals in the space of two minutes to leave Leitrim rocked. Leitrim rallied but could not find a way through the stubborn Sligo defence but Anna Conlan hit a point from play midway through the half . Leitrim dominated possession in the final ten minutes but a breakdown in play allowed Sligo to sweep downfield with Louise Brett hitting the Leitrim net again to end of any comeback. Leitrim again pushed forward but could not reduce the arrears except for a final point from Reynolds.

Leitrim have another very difficult assignment next weekend when they play Clare who defeated them in the Division 3 League Final last May. However there were many positive signs on Sunday but the defence must tighten up considerably while the forwards will need to get a better return from the possession they enjoyed. Leitrim will also be hoping that Sinead Quinn, Eimear McGlade and Sharon Kerrigan return quickly from injury to add further power to the team.

Leitrim: Louise Loughlin, Mairead McCawley, Sinead Brennan, Mairead Stenson, Teresa Mylott, Maeve Quinn, Mary McKeon, Caroline Egan, Sarah McLoughlin, Lorraine Brennan, Eileen Donohue (0-1), Sinead McWeeney (0-1), Ann Marie Cox (0-4), Anna Conlan (0-1), Michelle Reynolds (1-01). Subs: Amanda Sweeney (for Mairead McCawley), Catherine Holohan (for Caroline Egan), Sinead Fowley for (Sinead McWeeney), Clare Plunkett, Mary Fee, Katie Gallagher, Erin Farrell, Dymphna Boylan, Janette Maguire, Michelle McNulty, Christine Quinn, Charlene Tyrrell, Michelle Glancy, Lorraine Guckian.

Sligo: K. Connolly, F. Maye, A. Doohan, A.Mostyn, T. O?Hara, L. Smith, R Goodwin, B Beirne, S. O?Reilly, L Brett, K Maloney, I McNulty, E Flanagan, nÓgormley, T. Marren.

Referee: Vivian Hardiman (Roscommon)

 

 

19-Feb-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO